“Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. ‘If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!’ they complained. ‘Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?’”
Numbers 14:1-3 (NLT)
What would cause someone to go against the tide of social influence? Peer pressure is a powerful force and few can stand against it. However, there were two men in the Bible who did just that.
Caleb and Joshua were chosen, along with 10 other men, to explore the Promised Land and give a report to Moses and the people. But when they returned, it was only Caleb and Joshua who believed they could conquer the people inhabiting the land. And the people of Israel staged an all-night protest in response to their report!
What made Caleb and Joshua stand strong in the midst of this tidal wave of objection?
They knew their God! Their courage wasn’t based on how battle trained the Israelites were or how many spears they did or didn’t have. It was anchored in a God who had proven Himself faithful, time and time again.
They viewed the Promised Land through a different lens.
What kind of faith do you have? Do you trust God when things seem impossible, when you can’t see what He is doing? Are you viewing your life through an earthly lens or a heavenly one?
Lord, I confess I have put You in a box. I’ve made You a God who’s comfortable for me. I don’t want You to stretch me, challenge me, or ask me to do anything where I have to really trust You, because honestly, it’s just too scary. But this has never been Your desire for me. You are so much greater! I’m sorry for making You small. I’m sorry for not really knowing who You say You are. Give me eyes to see You, ears to hear Your whispers, and a heart that responds to Your grace. Amen.
